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With their beautiful beads and shimmering crosses, rosaries can often appear to be a fashion accessory. Opinions vary, however, on whether rosaries should be worn as necklaces.

Throughout history, it has been common practice for nuns to wear rosaries at the waist as part of their habits. Collectors will find that nun dolls and statues usually show a rosary prominently.

Questions arise when lay men and women wear a rosary. The Catholic Church relies upon Canon Law to set guidelines in such matters. Canon 1171 states: “Sacred Objects, set aside for divine worship or by dedication or blessing, are to be treated with reverence. ” Is it disrespectful to wear a rosary as a necklace? Father Edward McNamara, Professor of Liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum University, puts the practice into perspective. He has stated that what matters is the intent. “If the reason for wearing a rosary is as a statement of faith, as a reminder to pray it, or some similar reason “to the glory of God,” then there is nothing to object to. It would not be respectful to wear it merely as jewelry.” (ZENIT.org, June 14, 2011).

The rosary necklace opens and closes with a clasp. The rosary necklace shown is a replica of the World Mission Rosary made popular by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen during his radio program in the 1950s. Each decade is a different color and represents one of the continents of the world.

A rosary can be worn as a necklace if it is treated reverently with prayerful intent. The rosary should not be worn merely as a fashion accessory but it can be worn as a reminder to pray and as a symbol of faith.

To learn more, read The Rosary Collector’s Guideby Gloria Brady Hoffner and Helen Hoffner. Published by Schiffer Publishing, this 152 page hardcover reference book has 240 color photographs of rosaries, crosses, crucifixes, and center medals. It provides historical background on the development of each type of rosary.

Helen Hoffner and Gloria Brady Hoffner, authors of The Rosary Collector’s Guide, are often able to bring their collection to show to church groups, school groups, and community organizations. To arrange a presentation or to ask a question about rosaries, contact them at rosarycollector@aol.com